1. FC Union Berlin will take on RB Leipzig on Friday at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei in the penultimate Bundesliga match of the calendar year 2021.
Review — The last match:
Union conceded the three points at Deutsche Bank Park to Evan N’dicka’s header in the 94th minute as Eintracht Frankfurt ran out 2-1 winners. Max Kruse’s penalty in the second half brought Union into proceedings after a difficult 45 minutes where Oliver Glasner’s side took the lead through Djibril Sow’s long-range effort. Three days after the victory in Israel, Union faced an in-form Frankfurt side with the opportunity to move into the top four. But Glasner’s side were on top and Rafael Borre’s goal was cancelled out for offside by referee Sascha Stegemann. Sow scored after 22 minutes and the Eagles could have added more by the end of the half. Urs Fischer’s team battled back with a strong second-half showing, Max Kruse sliding home the spot kick from 12 yards after Taiwo Awoniyi was fouled in the box. Goncalo Paciencia was introduced and Frankfurt put Union’s penalty box under pressure for the last 20 minutes. He missed a chance to win the game himself after 90 minutes but eventually Union cracked as N’Dicka headed in from eight yards to take all three points.
Leipzig — Opposition Report:
Leipzig have been forced to cancel training this week due to coronavirus in the camp, but all tests returned negative on Tuesday. Achim Beierlorzer was in the dugout for last week’s Champions League win at Brugge and the loss against Leverkusen on Sunday. Among those missing due to positive tests are Orban, Poulsen Simakan and Novoa. Leipzig are two points worse off than Union in the Bundesliga and will be looking to revive their fight for a Champions League position next season with a win in Köpenick.
Leipzig — The coach’s view:
On Leipzig’s inability to train together due to an outbreak of the virus, Urs Fischer said: “It doesn’t influence our preparation too much. We know how they play. They have 1, 2, 3 systems that we are prepared for. We need to be focused on our performance.”
Personnel:
Laurenz Dehl is missing with an injury, but otherwise 1. FC Union Berlin have a full squad to pick from ahead of Friday’s match. Kevin Behrens has recovered well and is in contention after quarantine.